Monterey's First Night rings in year

The first thing Suzanne Wagner of King City did when she arrived at Monterey for the First Night celebration Monday was to head to the children arts activities stand.

By the time the Shinso Mugen Daiko Taiko Drummers opened the Old Year/New Year party, Wagner already had built a paper hat decorated with shiny streamers and foil papers. She was wearing it when her family found her near the face painting booth.

"Look honey, Mommy has a hat," she told her child.

The 20th First Night Monterey, a yearly tradition that draws thousands of families, was off to an auspicious start with about 200 people gathered near Colton Hall to witness the opening celebrations.

Executive Director Ellen Martin said she had no idea how many people would attend the event, but about 20,000 took part last year, so she hoped participation would be great again.

The weather, chilly but sunny with no rain clouds in sight, was perfect for the nine-hour party scheduled to feature more than 200 artists in more than 20 venues.

It is the first time that Wagner, 39, came to the event, and she began enjoying it quickly.

"We already love it," she said. "I'm having a grand time. I went to a first night 25 years ago, when they first started back where I grew up. It's cool to take my son now."

Monterey is the only city in Monterey County that hosts an end-of-the-year celebration, but it's not only locals who flock to the party.

It was the second straight year that Mohamed Aabas, an Oakland businessman, brought his wife and two sons to Monterey for the day-long event.

What draws him are the activities for his sons, 9 and 11, and the friendly and safe atmosphere.

"You can walk around, the streets are closed, and you don't worry about them wandering off," he said. "We came out last year and we decided to make it a yearly family getaway."

Hollister resident Cathy Hague, an avid volunteer, has lent her time to organizations and causes like the Boys & Girls Club over the years. But this was the first time she attended at First Night — either as participant or volunteer. She was working the hat booth and having a blast.

"It's a great way to meet people," she said.

After the twilight parade and dozens of performances throughout Monterey, 2013 was to be welcomed at the grand finale at the Golden State Theater with Red Beans and Rice and at the Monterey Conference Center with Fire in the Hamptons and Junk Man.